The rate of reaction of magnesium with hydrochloric acid

Photo of the equipment used to measure a chemical reaction rate using a gas syringe

Source: Andrew Lambert Photography / Science Photo Library

A class practical on reacting magnesium with hydrochloric acid and how to measure the rate of reaction. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Magnesium reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid in a conical flask which is connected to an inverted measuring cylinder in a trough of water. The volume of hydrogen gas produced is measured over a few minutes, and the results are used to plot a graph.

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